Book - Swap My Read

Books should be read, not left sitting pretty on shelves to impress visitors and gather dust. If, like me, you find it hard to walk out of a bookshop without an armful of new books for your overpopulated shelves, here is an eco- and wallet-friendly idea to consider. Recycle your books through the public library’s Book Exchange Programme, where used books become new reads. This is how it works.

3 easy steps to exchange your used books for new reads:
1. Bring your used books to any public library from 11-24 April, from 11am to 8pm. On 25 April, however, used books are accepted only at the National Library Building.
2. Drop off your used books and get a book exchange coupon indicating one-for-one exchange for the books accepted.
3. Bring your coupon to The Plaza, National Library Building, on 25 April to exchange for used books dropped off by other book lovers.

Each person can exchange up to a maximum of 30 used books. There is no age limit for participation. The libraries will accept children's and adults' fiction and non-fiction books (e.g. cookbooks, travel guides and romance novels) in any of Singapore’s four official languages, as well as used library books bought from previous library book sales; used books for exchange should be in relatively good physical condition. However, textbooks, magazines and audio-visual materials won’t be accepted.

Only coupons issued with a Book Exchange stamp are valid, so check your coupons carefully after they are issued to you. Do note that lost coupons are not replaceable. However, coupons issued are transferable -- you may pass them on to family members or friends to help you redeem used books.

And remember to bring your own carrier bags or arrange for transportation of books redeemed as plastic/carrier bags and delivery service won’t be provided on 25 April.

The Book Exchange proper takes place on 25 April (Saturday) from 10.30am to 6pm at The Plaza, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street.

For enquiries, call the National Library Board’s Helpdesk at 6332 3255 or e-mail: helpdesk@nlb.gov.sg